The HDC Difference

The capacity to negotiate and engage in concept planning and innovation related to affordable housing development such as working with other orders of government and the private and not-for-profit sectors, bridging land and development opportunities including those related to schools, hospital, church land or other community based greyfield (commercial) land redevelopment;

Negotiate, acquire, purchase, and sell lands and real property that include or support the goals of HDC. These activities may either directly support affordable housing through revenues or indirectly through negotiated partnerships;

Engage an independent board of experts in strategies and plans related to affordable housing; and build and retain local industry knowledge in public and social housing regeneration and redevelopment.

A small dedicated administration, led by a Chief Executive Officer will work with the HDC Board of Directors to advance business utilizing:

Expertise and knowledge with a strong understanding of the local housing market and development opportunities;

Legal tools as a business corporation that would allow HDC to independently engage in acquisition and sale of land and housing, establish revenue generating activities (such as consulting), and manage costs outside of a prescriptive policy framework;

Financial instruments and the exploration of new tools needed to free available assets in public/social housing stock to enable regeneration and redevelopment of sites; and

Promote co-operation, partnerships and initiatives between community agencies, the private sector and governments to improve access to affordable housing stock for low income households; and

Receive, purchase, transfer, sell or dispose of any property necessary to attaining the objects of the Housing Development Corporation.

Corporate & Working Relationships

Corporate & Working Relationships

HDC's relationship with the City includes:

Advancing the interests and accountability rules defined by the City of London's Municipal Council as the sole shareholder of HDC. This includes partnerships and shared service relationships with the City's administration to minimize costs and maximize efficiencies of HDC (including technology, facility, planning, and financial supports);

Working in collaboration with the City and in advancing available affordable housing based on the needs and actions outlined in the 2013 Homeless Prevention and Housing Plan;

Working with City Housing Services staff in the City's role as "Service Manager" related to provincial and federal legislated management and administrative requirements. HDC will be responsible for new affordable housing as well as potential future social housing regeneration;

Working in partnership with various City service areas related to the integration and advancement of affordable housing solutions (including Planning, Development Services, and Finance, Legal, Housing Services, and the Housing Access Centre).